Susie ~
In one sense, it
is over...the surgery is done and you're recovering. Fairly well, all things considered. However, something like an acoustic neuroma and the removal surgery is somewhat life-altering. A lot for some, just a bit for others. The effects of the surgery are unique to the individual AN patient so one patient's experience, whether positive or not so much, cannot guarantee the same outcome for another AN patient. The one constant in AN surgery recovery is that it is relatively slow and
always a
lot slower than we want it to be - because, like you, we want the experience to be over so we can 'move on with ours lives'. I certainly felt that way (
and I enjoyed a rapid recovery). So does
every AN patient recovering from surgery (
or radiation, for that matter). The AN and subsequent surgery is a huge disruption in our lives and any ensuing post-op complications are an impediment to our normal routines.
I insisted on driving (
highways included) within a fortnight of my surgery - and did so. My wife was a bit concerned so I belatedly asked my doctors permission to drive - and he gave it (
unaware that I was already driving). Fortunately, no problems arose. Frankly, I pushed myself in a steely determination to 'get back to normal'. I had a few bumps along the way but with some effort, managed to regain normalcy within a few weeks of my surgery. 26 FSR treatments 90 days later (
preplanned as part of my doctors approach to killing the 4. 5 cm AN) were uneventful and sealed the fate of the remaining tumor. That was six years ago. I'm doing great and although the AN experience is a big part of my medical history, it has little impact on my daily life, today. I remain active on the ANA forums to help encourage other AN patients with my story and whatever solace or advice I may be able to offer. I'm confident that with the passage of time, your own efforts and a lot of patience fueled by the desire to have this AN experience behind you, you'll be fine. Not as quickly or perhaps as completely as you might wish, but it
will happen. You're a week out of surgery. By the time you're a month out, you should be much improved. A year from now, you'll probably wonder what you were so worried about. Five years from now you'll be asking: "AN? What AN?
Take a deep breath, set your mind on recovering and getting your life back and be prepared to call on your reserves of patience. Those efforts are usually rewarded with a sense of taking back control of the situation (
your recovery) and moving in the right direction (
healing, normalcy). We want to advise and support you in this journey, Susie. Please stay connected and allow us to encourage you as your recovery continues. Thanks.
Jim
